If your air conditioner is screaming or hissing at you, it probably isn’t full of ghosts, but it’s definitely trying to tell you something…

If you live in Florida, you’re probably in a committed relationship with your AC, and you want that relationship to last. That means you need to listen when your AC is trying to tell you something, so it doesn’t quit on you when you need it most. You know you need to call someone when you see ice on the evaporator coil or the AC stops working altogether, but some cues are more subtle. That’s why we’re providing you with a “Spooky AC Noise to English” translator that’s guaranteed to improve your relationship with your AC.

Screaming/Screeching

If your AC is screaming or screeching at you, it’s probably trying to tell you that it has a damaged or slipped fan belt. It could also be the sound of excessive friction caused by an insufficiently lubricated moving part.

Banging/Clanging

If you’re hearing banging or clanging, it could be component that’s come loose. This can result in damage to the loose component and/or whatever it’s banging against.

Hisssssssing

If your AC is hissing, you probably have a refrigerant leak, and the hissing isn’t going to stop until the refrigerant runs out.

Clicking

Clicking sounds are generally caused by a failing electrical component or capacitor.

If you’re in Sarasota, and your Air Conditioner is trying to tell you something, call (941) 921-7208 and give your AC the attention it’s calling out for, before this most important relationship suffers.

Living in Florida, you probably already have a well-worn routine you break into whenever inclement weather is on the horizon, but is preparing your Air Conditioning System a part of that routine?

According to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, is expected to be an “above normal” season with 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which will likely become hurricanes, including 3 to 6 “major” hurricanes.

These tips will keep you comfortable and your AC protected in the event of a hurricane:

Secure the Unit

Make sure your outdoor unit is properly secured to the concrete. Check the metal bolts and straps that hold your system in place for signs of rust or deterioration which could make the unit vulnerable to high winds.

Clear and Cover

Prior to the storm, bring in any outdoor tables, chairs or other items that could become airborne and cause damage to the AC System. You can even cover the outside unit with a tarp in order to keep it free from flying leaves, dirt and other debris, but make sure to remove the covering before you turn the unit back on!

Cool Down Your House

Before the threat of the storm is imminent, try cooling your house as much as possible so you are comfortable for a while after you turn off your AC System.

Turn Off the Power

Nearly 90% of all electrical system damage occurs when the AC is left on during a thunderstorm or hurricane. You may have to tolerate a bit of heat and humidity when you turn off your AC but leaving it on could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Wait 20 Minutes

Keep the AC off until the storm passes and don't be in a rush to turn it back on. In the event of flooding, don’t restore power to the equipment until it is completely dry and you are certain that it is safe to do so.

Even if the unit looks unharmed, wait a minimum of 20 minutes after the power is restored to turn the AC System back on. Unstable or “dirty” power is common in the minutes after the power returns.

Stay safe and don’t forget to include your AC System in your Hurricane Preparedness Plan. 

Believe it or not, Florida Winters can put your HVAC system through the wringer.

One day it’s in the high 80s and the next you’re cranking up the heat and piling on the blankets. Make sure your AC system is ready for the Florida Winter Workout by following these easy steps:

1. Make sure your air filter is clean.

Dirty air filters affect your indoor air quality and they force your AC to work harder than it needs to. If you haven’t changed your air filter in a while, now would be a great time to do so.

2. Program your thermostat for the “Heat” setting.

When switching from the “Cool” setting to the “Heat” setting, make sure you set the thermostat to a temperature that will provide comfort as well as energy savings and, if you’re ever tempted to use the “Em Heat” setting, read our What is Emergency Heat? blog first.

3. Schedule a maintenance visit.

Regular preventive AC maintenance is the best way to ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance throughout the year. Our maintenance agreements include two 32+ point inspections per year and our maintenance agreement customers enjoy 15% discount on any service need that may arise during the contract year, after-hours service calls billed at our non-emergency rate, and discounts on all system replacements. Click here to learn more about our maintenance agreements.

With Sarasota summer right around the corner our air conditioners will soon be working much harder to keep us cool.

Just like normal upkeep on your car, your Sarasota air conditioning needs regular maintenance to ensure it continues to run efficiently.

During the AC preventive maintenance visit, skilled technicians carefully inspect all essential components of the air conditioner. They will make sure that your unit is in the best condition possible. Any damaged or worn parts can be replaced before further deterioration of them would damage other components or impede the operation of the unit.

A little prevention now will keep you cool all summer and save money in the long run.